Shoe fastener



y 5, 1953 c. B. FORRESTER 2,637,087

SHOE FASTENER Filed Aug. 24, 1949 I I I... 4 h ai-e' 1 INVENTOR Clive B. fibrresier.

Patented May 5, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT QEFFHCE SHOE FASTENER Clive B. Forrester, Miami, Fla.

Application August 24., 1949, Serial No. 112,084.-

16 Claims.

This invention relates to securing device and is more particularly concerned with means for opening and closing the flaps of shoes.

The general object of this invention is the provision of a device in substitution of the usual shoe laces for conveniently closing and opening shoe flaps.

Another object is the provision of such a device which can be modified to provide a variety of ornamentaticns.

A still further object is the provision of such a'device which is quick acting; which is positive in operation and which overcomes the deficiencies of ordinary shoe laces by being non-breakable, easier to use and not likely to open accidentally.

A still further object is the provision of such a device which can be operated by juveniles who would ordinarily not be able to adjust and tie a shoe lace and which may, moreover, be operated by the use of only one hand and in darkness.

A still further object is the provision of such a device which may be attached to an ordinary shoe by the wearer or incorporated in a new pair of shoes at the factory by the manufacturer.

A particular advantage of the present invention resides in the fact that the shoe flaps, in the open position, are wide apart which obviates the need for a shoe horn in putting the shoe on and at the same time, minimizes the danger of breaking the heel plates.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description considered together with the accompanying drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of the embodiment in a partly opened position, apart from the shoe.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view partly in section showing the embodiment attached to a shoe in the closed position.

Fig. 3 is a a section along the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an isometric exploded view of the adjustable slide member.

Fig. 5 is a section along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a modified form of the wing member.

Referring with more particularity to the drawing in which like numerals designate like parts,

Between said wings a stifif resilient wire 55 of spring steel or some other suitable material is disposed bent in the general shape of a \I with an oval or circular portion it? at the apex or neck.

The outer ends of the arms ii and 58 of the bent wire I5 are secured to bosses l9 and 2d formed along the inner edge of the wing members II and [2, respectively.

To the lower side of the oval portion it the lower end 2! of an operator or manipulating member, such as the bar 22, is hinged. One end of a rigid arm 23 is provided with radially extending pins or stub shafts 22 i and 25 which shafts are pivotally held in bearings 26 and El, respectively, on the inner side of the bar 22 above its lower end. The other end of the arm 23 is hollow and is provided with internal thread 28 adapted to engage the threads 29 or" a shank 3E9. Said shank is part'of a hook member having a U-shaped head 3|, the outer ends 32 and 33 of which are turned inwardly with a space M therebetween to permit the insertion and removal of the arms I! and It.

The head 3! is relatively narrow so as to draw the arms I! and I8 together as it slides thereon carrying with them the winged members ii and I2.

In the open position the bar 22 makes the largest angle with the wire member i5 and the head 3! is closest to the hinge end 2! thereby permitting the arms I! and E8 to spread apart. In the closed position the bar 22 makes the smallest angle with the wire member :15 and the head 3| is closest to the outer ends of the arms I? and I8, thereby holding them inwardly against the resilient force tending to spread them apart.

The position of the head 35 along the arms l'] and 18 may be adjusted by screwing it in or out of the hollow end of the arm 23. This may be accomplished by pressing the arms ii and i8 together at a point near the head 3 i, disengaging the head from the arms, screwing the head in or out of the arm 23, and then replacing the head on the arms.

In the closed position a barbed lug 35 at the bottom of the arm 23 enters between the arms ii and is behind the head 3!. Said lug 35 is preferably spear shaped and is provided with grooves 36 and 31 beyond its barbs which act as seats for the arms ii and i8, respectively.

The barbs of the lug 35 are somewhat greater than the space between the arms I? and is in the closed position so that when the lug enters between the arms it first spreads them apart slightly and then permits them to recede into the grooves 36 and 37.

To use the device, the laces are removed from the shoes and the ribs i3 and M disposed through the lace holes 38 and 39 of the shoes with the wing members H and I2 lying underneath the shoe flaps to and M. It is possible on many shoes to gain access between the plies at the lace holes. Thus, the ribs can be slipped between the plies on installation by the "wearer; makin in some cases a'neater application.

The upper portions of the ribs l3 and I4 protruding above the lace holes are then clinched over to secure them firmly in position as shown in Fig. 3. The device is then in operative position. To close the shoe flaps the bar'Z-Z is-pressed down to the position showninEig. 2 which causes the head 3| to move upward along the arms l1 and i8 and to draw them together therebyz also drawing together the winged members i I and I2 and theshoe flaps-connected thereto. JIihebar 'is held in this positionrbythe entering .-of the barbed lug afibetween' lthearms H -.and- 13, as explained i above.

To open the shoe the upper end of the ban-22 is simply pulled upward which retracts the-barbed lug from the arms Hzand-l8 and causes the-head 3| toslidebach along said-arms. l he portions of the arms I1 and IB-astheybecomeiree oftthe head tl -spreadiunder resilient -tension, ':thereby .is to be .used for feminine apparel.

A 'modified: [form of the invention-. comprises using perforated -.-wing.- members 45,- as shownin Fig; 6. :The perfora-tions 4E substituteior the upstanding ribs 1 Land I 5 and permitthe wing .memhers to be: sewn Y or. riveted permanently c110 the -:.s 0 -fla bit-t emamiiactu e ithu obviatin the necessity for providing any laoe qgholes. W ing betweemtheupper and lowerv plies oi' the :flap portio s ofvt hoe and then' sew d iin' -pl ce orsecured by small rivets or any other suitable means. .The resulting appearance gismeahand provides a minimum of bulk.

in either:-- form illustrated the Wwing m mber I may be bent to conform to -:the:contouripfthe .foot. It may be bentito clear -the-.:minor 'bone, malformations oftheiinstep, etcjwhichare- 01- dinarily irritatedby shoe laces.

I claim: 1. A= shoe fastening dev,i-c e rcomprisingaa pan of wing members adaptedto be securedto the 1 fiaps of-a shoe, a resilient-slide wire bentrin the general shape of adv having the outer ends of its arms secured to "said "members, respectively,

- bar having one end pivoted to the other? end. of

said wire,.--a ,rigid arm pivoted at one :end :to: said bar, ahookattached-to theotheraend of said rigid arm, said hook being adapted to slidably engage the arms. of said Wireiormopening and closing the assembly,-means for holding the assembly in 'closed position, and means for adjustingsaid hook relative to said rigid-arm.

-2. A shoe fastening-device comprisin -at pair of wing membersadapted to-be secured to the flaps of .ashoe,-a resilient slide -wire bentin the general shape-of a Vr-hav-ing the outer iends of its arms secured to saidmembers; respectively, a-bar having'none. end; pivoted to ithe nther endgor; said wire, a rigid arm pivoted at one end to said bar, a hook attached to the other end of said rigid arm, said hook being adapted to slidably engage the arms of said wire for opening and closing the assembly, means for holding the assembly in closed position, said hook being threadedly engaged with said arm to adjust the relative positions thereof.

3. A shoe fastening device comprising a pair of wing members adapted: to' besecure'd to the flaps of'a shoe, ribs projecting upward from said members adapted to be disposed through the lace .holes of shoes, a resilient slide wire bent in the general shape of a V having the outer ends of its arms secured to said members, respectively, a

:bar.having one end pivoted to the other end of .said wire, a. rigidarm pivoted at one end to said bar, a hook attached to the other end of said rigidiarm, said hoolr being adapted to slidably engage the arms of said wire for opening and closing theassembly, and means for holding the assembly in .the closed position.

4. A shoe fastening devicecomprising.a .pair

of; Wing members-adapted to be secured .to the flaps of a shoe, said member havingapertures therethrough for the reception of stitches, a resilient slide wire bent in the general, shape ofa V having theouter. ends of its arms secured to said members, respectively, a bar havingoneend pivoted to the other end of said.wire,. a rigid. arm

pivotedat one. end to said bar, a hook attached to the other end of. said rigid arm, said hookbeing adapted to slidablyengagethe arms-oflsaid .Wire .for opening and. closing theassembly, and means for holding the assembly in the .closed position.

5..A shoe fastening .device comprisinga-pair of wing members adaptedgtobev secured .tothe flapsv of a shoe,.av resilient slide .wire bent in the general shape. of a. Vhaving .theouter ends-of its arms secured to said members, respectively, a

.-bar havingoneend pivotedto thevother. end of said wire, a rigid arm pivotedat one. end'to'said .bar, a hook. attached. to. the other. end or said rigid arm, said hook beingadapted to. slidably engage the arms. of said .Wire, a barbed. lugon the bottom ofsaid rigidarm-adapted to ente1-.betweenthe arms ofsaidwire.

'6. A shoe fasteningdevice. eomprisin a pair of wing members adapted to be secured to. the flaps of a shoe, a resilientslide wire bent inthe general shape of a V having the-outerends of its arms secured to said members, respectively, abar having one. end pivoted to itheothcr. end'of said wire, a rigid arm pivoted atone end to said bar, a hook attached to the other end of said rigid arm, said hook being adaptedto slidably engage the arms of said wire, a barbedlu on .the bottom of said rigidarm adapted. to enter between the arms of said wire, said lug having grooveson either side. between .its barbs and the said rigid arm forthe receptionof the arms of said resilient wire.

7..A shoe fastening device comprising apair of wing members adapted to be secured to the flaps of a shoe, a resilient slide wirebent-in the general shapeotia V having the outer endsof its arms secured to said members-respectively, a bar having one end pivoted to the othercnd of said wire, a rigid arm having a radially extending shaftat one end, a bearin 'pivotally supporting said shaft, said bearing being secured to said bar, a hook. attached to theother endof said rigid arm, said hook; beingadapted to slidablyengage the arms of said wire for opening andclosinglthe assembly, and means for holding the assembly in the closed position.

8. A shoe fastening device comprising a pair of wing members adapted to be secured to the flaps of a shoe, upstanding ribs on said members adapted to be disposed through the lace holes of a shoe, a resilient slide wire bent in the general shape of a V having the outer ends of its arms pivotally secured to said members, respectively, a bar having one end pivoted to the other end of said wire, a rigid arm having a radially extending shaft, a bearing pivotally supporting said shaft, said bearing being secured to said bar, a hook member at the other end of said rigid arm having a shank threadedly engaged with said rigid arm, said hook being adapted to slidably engage the arms of said wire and a barbed lug on the bottom of said rigid arm adapted to enter between the arms of said wire.

9. A shoe fastening device comprising a pair of wing members adapted to be secured to the flaps of a shoe. a resilient substantially V-shaped wire member having arm portions which are secured to the respective wing members, a manipulating member having one end pivotally attached to said wire adjacent the central and lower end thereof, a rigid member having one end pivotally attached to said man pulating member at a spaced distance from its pivotal connection with said wire, means arran ed on the outer end of said rigid member slidably engaging the arms of said wire whereby the arms of the wire member together with the wing members secured thereto will be moved. toward one another when the manipulating member is moved about its pivotal connection toward said arms with the manipulating member disposed thereover substantially parallel thereto when it assumes its fully closed position and with the arms tending to be spread apart and move the wing members away from one another due to the inherent resiliency of the arms when the manipulating member is moved in the opposite direction away from said arms, and means for holding the manipulating member in its fully closed position.

10. A shoe fastening device comprising a pair of wing members adapted to be secured to the flaps of a shoe, a resilient substantially V-shaped wire member having arm portions which are secured to the respective win members, a manipulating member having one end pivotally attached to said wire adjacent the central and lower end thereof, a rigid member having one end pivotally attached to said manipulating member at a spaced distance from its pivotal connection with said wire, means arranged with said rigid member for adjusting the length thereof, means arranged on the outer end of said rigid member slidably engaging the arms of said wire whereby the arms of the wire member together with the wing members secured thereto will be moved toward one another when the manipulating member is moved about its pivotal connection toward said arms with. the manipulating member disposed thereover substantially parallel thereto when it assumes its fully closed position and with the arms tending to be spread apart and move the wing members away from one another clue to the inherent resiliency of the arms when the manipulating member is moved in the opposite direction away from said arms, and a lug carried by said rigid member which cooperates with said arms to lock the manipulating member in its closed position so as to prevent unintentional spreading of the arms and opening of the fastener.

'11. Ashoe fastening device comprising a pair of wing members adapted to be secured to the flaps of a shoe, a resilient substantially V-shaped wire member having arm portions which are secured to the respective wing members, a manipulating member having one end pivotally attached to said wire adjacent the central and lower end thereof, a rigid member having one end pivotally attached to said manipulating member at a spaced distance from its pivotal connection with said wire, means arranged on the outer end of said rigid member slidably engaging the arms of said wire whereby the arms of the wire member together with the wing members secured thereto will be moved toward one another when the manipulating member is moved about its pivotal connection toward said arms with the manipulating member disposed thereover substantially parallel thereto when it assumes its fully closed position and with the arms tending to be spread apart and move the wing members away from one another due to the inherent resiliency of the arms when the manipulating member is moved in the opposite direction away from said arms, and means carried by said rigid member which cooperates with said arms to lock the manipulating member in its closed position so as to prevent unintentional spreading of the arms and opening of the fastener.

12. A shoe fastening device, as defined in claim 9, wherein the manipulating member is of such width and length that it cover and conceals said wire member when it is disposed in its fully closed position.

13. A shoe fastening device comprising a pair of spaced-apart arm like members which normally tend to be urged apart, a manipulating member pivotally connected to said arm like members adjacent one end thereof, a rigid member extending between said manipulating member and said arm like members, one end of said rigid member being pivotally attached to said manipulating member at a spaced distance from its pivotal connection with said arm like members and the opposite end of said rigid member being slidably connected to both of said arm like members whereby the arm like members will be urged toward one another by said slidable connection when the manipulating member is moved toward said arm like members with the manipulating member disposed thereover substantially parallel to said arm like members when it assumes its fully closed position and the arms tending to be moved away from one another when the manipulating member is moved in the opposite direction away from said arm like members, and means for holding the manipulating member in its fully closed position.

14. A shoe fastening device comprising a pair of spaced-apart arm like members which normally tend to be urged apart, a manipulating member pivotally connected to said arm like members adjacent one end thereof, a rigid member extending between said manipulating member and said arm like members, one end of said rigid member being pivotally attached to said manipulating member at a spaced distance from its pivotal connection with said arm like members and the opposite end of said rigid member being slidably connected to both of said arm like members whereby the arm like members will be urged toward one another by said slidable connection when the manipulating member is moved toward said arm like members with the manipulating member disposed thereover substantially areli lztossidarmiike members Whenrit s um its u y closed ro itionendt te din to be mo ed, away rom; one mi .17. w en he ma latin member s movedsi -the ppes te irec ion a a rom said. arms ik memb rs and mea f c in a d mani u t ne membe over said arm like members in its fully closed poion,

15- hoe n s nine e ce mp s g. e a r of spaced: apart arm like memberswhich normally tend to; be urged apart, a manipulating member pivotally connected to said arm like members; adjacent one end thereof, a rigid member extending between said manipulating member and said arm like members, one end of said rigid member being pivotallyattached to saidifnanipulating member at a-spaced distanoetfromrits pivotal connection with said arm like members and the opposite end of said rigid member being slidablyconnected to both of said arm like members whereby the arm like'members will be urged toward one another bysaid slidable connection when the manipulating member is moved toward said arm like members with the manipulating member disposed thereover substantially parallel to said arm like members when it assumes its fully olosed position and the arms tending to be moved away from one another when the manipuiating member is moved in the opposite direction away fromsaid arm like: members, said manipu- 3 lating member being of sucha Width and length that it ,0 Ver-s and; conceals the arm like members when it is disposed in its fully-closed position, and ahlug carried by said rigid member which cooperates with the said arm-like mem bers to lock the manipulating member in its closed position so as to prevent unintentional spreading-of the arm-like members and spreading of the fastener.

16. A shoe fastening device, as defined in claim 13,- wherein the manipulating member is of such width and length that it covers and conceals the arm like members when it is disposed in its fully closed position.-

CLIVE B. FORRESTER.

References Cited in thefile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 176,224 I-lassal Apr. 18, 1876 738,399 Boehme "Sept. 8, 1903 1,276,026 Butler Aug. 20, 1918 1,678,273 Schutz "July 24, 1928 1,69%,101 McClure Dec. 4, 1928 2,289,225 Tonai July 7, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 270,169 Germany 1914 509,995 Great Britain 1939 

